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I just finished building my computer, however my OS only has 28 days left because i cannot activate it (TRUST ME, I can't). Anyway i have been looking for an inexpensive copy of windows 7, but i don't know that i can afford it. So i have been considering getting a Linux OS. My questions for all of you TL-ers out there are:
What do you know about Linux?
Is it easy to use?
Should i just get Windows 7?
I would like to note that if some learning and research is needed to get a Linux OS i will do it. If large amounts of shit that would take more than 28 days to learn, i'll buy windows 7. Also i'd like to note that i learn relatively fast.
Poll: What OS do you recommend? (please only if u know about both)
(Vote): Windows 7
(Vote): Linux
(Vote): Neither
(Vote): Either way you're good.
(Vote): MAC!! (I will not do this as i already have a macbook pro)
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United States22883 Posts
You built a new computer so you can play games, right? Windows is your only real choice.
http://www.win741.com/
I think Canadians are eligible.
EDIT: Before the Linux people pop up and say it. Yes, you could technically play Sauerbraten (as bad as it sounds) or use PlayOnLinux to play games from 2002, but realistically the only way to game with a Linux box is to dual boot with Windows. Either way, you've gotta buy 7.
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Are you enrolled in University? If so, you can purchase Windows 7 for 10 dollars. If you aren't find someone who is.
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selboN care to elaborate? because my brother goes to USF. Also, i am on XP Pro, but i cant activate it, would a Windows 7 Upgrade disk be a viable option, or not because i don't have an activated copy?
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Mystlord
United States10264 Posts
Yeah I was going to bring up that student discount thing. Get that and go Windows 7.
However, it depends on what you want to do with the machine and what you're looking to do. If you're doing something like graphic design, you'll probably want to go with Win7 so you have access to Photoshop. Compatibility is more important than anything.
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Baa?21244 Posts
See if your school/department is listed on MSDNAA, you might get it for free.
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Win 7 Pro 64 if you can get it for free with MSDNAA :p
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Windows XP ftw 
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If you run games
windows 7 or need to do CAD
if you need special editing video or sound software mac
if you just use a computer for general shit like word processing etc linux
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1. Torrenting is always an option.
2. Did you look into student discount? I don't know if Canada gets them but it'd be interesting if you did.
3. Windows XP can be bought for as low as $80, I think it's about the same in USD for Canadians.
If none of those work, Linux can be OK. The learning curve can be somewhat steep, though. If you have trouble with Linux and ask for help, most of the time you will receive it in the form of several long terminal inputs. It often fixes the problem, but it's not easy to come up things like that on your own. Anyway, you can game on Linux with the aid of WINE, but it's not without its problems.
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alot of unis you can just get the os like windows 7 for free, at least at mine and everyone else i know
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Playing games? Windows
else, Linux
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There's a little bit of a learning curve with linux but with an easy enough distro (ubuntu, mint) it shouldn't be that hard. As long as you're not playing a ton of games or need lots of windows specific software, you should be able to get by with wine.
That said, windows will obviously be easiest (try to get it through your uni)
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Well that just ruled out linux, now i guess all i have to do is find the cheapest or free-est copy of Windows 7.
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I dual boot Ubuntu and Vista (I should upgrade to Win7 since I can for free, but it's a big hassle). Pretty much the only advantage to Vista is I play games on it. Ubuntu can do everything else that Vista can and more.
I use Ubuntu to have a Linux environment to learn on (CS major).
God, this reminds me why haven't I upgraded to Win7 yet...
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I get Windows 7/Vista/XP all for free through my university.
It depends on what you do with your computer, if you are a programmer (unlikely, since you asked this question), then Linux all the way (unless you are doing .NET). Otherwise, despite what people say, Windows is your number one choice.
edit: some additional information about ubuntu
Ubuntu is probably the most user-friendly and popular distro. There is almost no learning curve, and it should come with most if not all of the needed drivers.
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EPT
